It’s difficult to comprehend the legacy Dolly Parton has left on the artistic world, from her legendary catalogue of music to her iconic Backwoods Barbie bombshell image and philanthropic legacy. Her straight-talking wit has long attracted the attention of interviewers and she was also a talented actor, leaving a trail of rhinestones across film and television. Following her death aged 80 on Tuesday 25 August, the queen of country leaves behind a whole wealth of magic for fans to celebrate.
From the film that gave the world ‘a cup of ambition’ to a lesser-known anthology dramatising some of her most-loved hits and a joyous trip to her theme park Dollywood, we’ve compiled seven of her iconic dramas and documentaries to watch tonight.
9 To 5
Featuring Dolly’s eponymous anthem about the gruelling grind of working life, this brilliantly fun 1980 comedy takes us to the offices of Consolidated Companies, where Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda) and Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton) are all mistreated by their chauvinistic boss Franklin Hart Jr (Dabney Colman). One night, the women fantasise about getting revenge and improving their working conditions – but things go spectacularly wrong when Violet accidentally poisons Franklin's coffee. It’s fun, empowering and remarkably ahead of its time. 9 To 5 is available to watch now on Disney +.
Steel Magnolias
This heartbreaking tale, based on Robert Harling’s 1987 play of the same name, follows a close-knit group of female friends in a small Louisiana town who regularly congregate at Truvy Jones’s (Dolly Parton) beauty salon. Julia Roberts stars as Shelby, who we meet in the salon chair having her hair done for her wedding day. Shelby is desperate to have children, despite doctors warning her about the serious health risks due to type 1 diabetes. What follows is an incredible tale of female friendship as they support each other through the highs and lows that follow her pregnancy. Steel Magnolias is available to watch now on Channel 4.
Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings
Set across rural America, this eight-part anthology series brings to life some of Dolly’s best-loved anthems, with cameo appearances from the singer herself. The first episode reimagines one of her most famous hits, Jolene, the tale of the alluring auburn-haired temptress. Later in the series, Cracker Jack, inspired by Dolly’s song about a beloved family pet, sees four childhood friends reunite for a weekend of memories and confront lingering tensions between them. Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings is available to watch now on Netflix.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square
If you’re ready to get into the festive spirit early – cosy season is around the corner after all – this joyous musical sees Dolly as a rhinestone-covered angel who must try to save Christmas. Why? Wealthy and mean-spirited Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski) returns to her hometown to evict her tenants and sell off the land to a mall developer. But will the townspeople and Dolly convince her to have a change of heart? It’s camp, sparkly and quintessentially Dolly. Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square is available to watch now on Netflix.
Dolly Parton: Here I Am
This enlightening 2019 British biographical documentary charts Dolly’s extraordinary journey from her humble beginnings in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains to her meteoric rise to one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers. Featuring interviews with Dolly herself, incredible archival footage and collaborations from fellow superstars such as Kylie Minogue and Jane Fonda, it’s an inspiring glimpse into the formidable talent and astute businesswoman beneath the dazzling cat suits and big hair. Dolly Parton: Here I Am is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Graham Goes To Dollywood
No tribute to Dolly Parton would be complete without a trip to Dollywood, her theme park nestled in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. In this 2001 documentary, broadcasting legend Graham Norton accepts Dolly’s personal invitation to explore her pink utopia and learn what makes the attraction so special. Graham is guided through the park by the queen herself, rides on the rollercoasters – and the pair even share a special rendition of Islands In The Stream. Graham Goes To Dollywood is available to watch now on Channel 4.
Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
In 2019, Dolly became the first country artist to be crowned as MusiCares person of the year and a starry line-up of musicians gathered to celebrate the monumental impact she has had on the industry. Dolly’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, joined artists including Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Pink, Leon Bridges and Willie Nelson to perform covers of her classics. Dolly also took to the stage to perform her heart-warming anthem Coat Of Many Colors. Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute is available to stream now on Netflix.
